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Ramon Laureano Out 4-5 Months After Hip Surgery
San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (hip) will miss four to five months after having labrum surgery on his right hip on Friday, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. As a result, the Padres announced on Friday that they transferred Laureano to the 60-day injured list. It's unlikely that Laureano will return for the Friars this season, which is why Acee suggests that the offensively-challenged Padres could now be looking for a left-handed-hitting outfielder who can play left field at the early August trade deadline. Bryce Johnson is starting in left and batting seventh for SD in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets and right-hander Christian Scott at Petco Park, but Johnson isn't the answer to San Diego's hitting woes this season and profiles best as a fourth or fifth outfielder. The 31-year-old Laureano will end up finishing his first full season with the Pads with a disappointing .203/.286/.374 slash line, .660 OPS, seven home runs, 21 RBI, seven steals, and 23 runs scored across just 53 games. Gavin Sheets will most likely see most of the starts in left going forward, opening up more playing time at first base for Ty France.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Wei-En Lin Moving to Triple-A, Can he Compete for Early MLB Debut?
The Athletics are promoting left-handed pitching prospect Wei-En Lin from Double-A Midland to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, according to Milb Central. The 20-year-old native of Taiwan earned the promotion to the Aviators after going 3-1 with a sharp 1.93 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 53 strikeouts and 13 walks in 51 1/3 innings pitched across his 10 starts. The 6-foot-2, 179-pound southpaw is ranked as the A's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and could be in line to make his major-league debut in the second half of the 2026 season if he continues to impress this summer in Sin City. Lin typically sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and has a diverse pitch mix that also features a slider, curveball, changeup, and splitter, all of which have the potential to be plus offerings. His greatest strength is his ability to throw strikes, which could earn him a ticket to Sacramento sooner rather than later. Lin doesn't have high-end fantasy upside, but he should at least become a backend starter for the A's once he reaches the big leagues.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Max Muncy Out of Friday's Lineup With Sore Nose
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (nose) is out of the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener for the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com. Muncy was involved in a scary collision at first base on Thursday night with Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas and was removed from the game after being checked on by trainers. The good news is that the 35-year-old passed concussion testing and is day-to-day, so Muncy could be back in the starting nine for Game 2 of the Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Santiago Espinal is starting at third and will bat ninth on Friday versus Angels left-hander Reid Detmers. Muncy enters Friday's action hitting .254/.347/.513 with an .860 OPS, 14 home runs, 22 RBI, and 40 runs scored in his 189 at-bats for the Blue in his 11th year in the majors. Durability has become an issue for Muncy late in his career, but when healthy, he's still valuable in most fantasy leagues for his power and run production in the heart of the Dodgers' stacked lineup. UPDATE: Manager David Roberts said that Muncy is sore after Thursday's collision, but he otherwise feels fine and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Angels Promote Samy Natera Jr., Will he Compete for High-Leverage Role?
The Los Angeles Angels are promoting rookie left-handed pitching prospect Samy Natera Jr. to the majors on Friday, according to Milb Central. Natera gets his first major-league promotion after going 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 44:18 K:BB with one save in 30 innings pitched out of the bullpen at Triple-A Salt Lake. The 26-year-old Mexican native will take the roster spot of pitcher Shaun Anderson, who has been designated for assignment. Natera was originally a 17th-round selection by the Halos in 2022 out of New Mexico State University. In his four minor-league seasons in the Angels system, Natera has posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, nine saves, 271 strikeouts, and 113 walks in 192 2/3 innings pitched across 96 appearances (24 starts). In Anaheim, he will most likely handle lower-leverage situations, and he won't be guaranteed to stick around long, so fantasy managers can ignore Natera for now. Natera is not included as one of the Angels' top-30 prospects at MLB Pipeline.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Jorge Soler Back as the DH Against Dodgers on Friday
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Angels in Friday's series opener in the Freeway Series against the hosting Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki, according to MLB.com. Soler was pulled early from Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies as a precaution with a left-hip injury, but he's back in there as the DH after the team had a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 34-year-old Cuban veteran slugger is batting just .220 (47-for-214) on the season with nine home runs, 33 RBI, and 28 runs scored in 58 games across 243 plate appearances. Soler remains an asset for power and run production in deeper leagues, but he will continue to be a drag on your on-base percentage and batting average. In 14 games since May 19, Soler is hitting .236 (13-for-55) with a homer, double, triple, five RBI, and seven runs scored across his 58 plate appearances. He has gone hitless in just three career at-bats against Sasaki.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kings Want to Trade Their Larger Contracts
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly looking to offload one or more of their larger contracts, according to James Ham. This is not surprising with the Kings having Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis all under big deals heading into next season. The Kings would like to dump some salaries, but usually that comes with giving up draft picks as well. A team that is likely headed towards a rebuild is probably hesitant to give up a bunch of draft capital. Sabonis would probably be the easiest player to move given his age and upside. The Kings are going to have a tough time unloading the contracts of DeRozan or LaVine, but they need to at least feel out potential deals.
Source: James Ham
Source: James Ham
Zach Neto Active for Start of Freeway Series Against Dodgers
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is back at shortstop and is batting leadoff for the Halos on Friday for the start of the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki, according to MLB.com. Whiplash caused Neto to miss the team's last three games, but he's back in there for a series this weekend at Dodger Stadium. The 25-year-old hasn't helped fantasy managers with his average this year, hitting .231 (54-for-234), but he remains an asset in points leagues with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 42 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 60 games across 274 plate appearances. Now that he's back on the field, fantasy managers should return him to all starting lineups in traditional formats. Neto will be looking for his first hit against Sasaki, whom he's gone hitless against in just three career at-bats. The starting shortstop has been better at the plate recently, batting .324 (11-for-34) with two homers, four doubles, five RBI, 10 runs, and a steal in his last nine contests.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ildemaro Vargas Out on Friday After Scary Collision on Thursday
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas (thigh) is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's game against the visiting Washington Nationals after colliding at first base with Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy in Thursday's walk-off win, according to MLB.com. LuJames Groover, who was called up from Triple-A Reno on Friday, will make his major-league debut on Friday, starting at first base and batting fifth against Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin. Vargas should be considered day-to-day with his thigh injury, and he could be back in Arizona's starting nine as early as Saturday at Chase Field against the Nats. After a strong start at the plate that came out of nowhere for the 34-year-old Venezuelan infielder, Vargas has predictably cooled down offensively. He's hitting .283 (60-for-212) on the season with seven home runs, but he's been ice-cold in his last 15 games, going 5-for-50 (.100) with a double, six RBI, two runs, three walks, and five strikeouts. There's a good chance we may have already seen Vargas' peak in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Darius Acuff Jr. Works Out for Bulls
The Chicago Bulls had Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. in town for a workout on Friday, according to Jonathan Wasserman. Acuff has also worked out for the Brooklyn Nets and has workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets coming up. Acuff is being viewed as a potential top-5 pick, so it's not surprising that he's getting a lot of attention. He averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 0.8 steals across 35.1 minutes per game in 35 contests with Arkansas this season. The rebuilding Bulls could use another guard after trading Coby White last season. Acuff is an interesting option for them, and likely a top-10 pick in this upcoming draft.
Source: Jonathan Wasserman
Source: Jonathan Wasserman
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Could Get Traded
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. might've played his final game with the organization. The trade rumors have been flying around that Jaquez is being pursued by contenders. Jaquez is reportedly one of the names mentioned in a potential blockbuster deal for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. When asked about the situation, Jaquez said that's just how things are when you're part of the Heat organization. It doesn't sound like Jaquez is thrilled about the potential trade, but he wants to focus on growing his game this offseason. This past season, Jaquez averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 28.3 minutes per game in 75 contests. His fantasy value would likely be on the rise if he's traded to Milwaukee, where he'd be a focal point in that rotation.
Source: Miami Herald
Source: Miami Herald
Marcus Johansson Returning to Europe
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson has signed a contract with Farjestad in his native Sweden, The Athletic's Michael Russo reports. This likely signals the end of Johansson's NHL career, as he will turn 36 at the start of next season. Considering he earned a respectable 49 points (15 goals, 34 assists) in 75 games in 2025-26, his highest-scoring total in eight campaigns, it's somewhat surprising that Johansson has decided to move on from the NHL. He could have drawn decent offers as a free agent this summer. Johansson also played for Farjestad before starting his NHL career in 2010 with the Washington Capitals. He has played for six NHL franchises, recording 566 points (200 goals, 366 assists) in 1,058 career games.
Source: Michael Russo
Source: Michael Russo
Thomas White Likely to Miss Rest of Season With Shoulder Capsular Sprain
The Miami Marlins announced on Friday that top left-handed pitching prospect Thomas White (shoulder) will likely miss the rest of the 2026 season after suffering a left-shoulder capsular sprain, according to Isaac Azout of Fish on First. The timeline for White's return is 12 to 16 weeks. It's another massive blow to the Marlins' farm system, as the team's second-ranked prospect, lefty Robby Snelling (elbow), is also out for the year after having an internal-brace surgery for a torn UCL in his left elbow. The 21-year-old White was likely looking at an MLB promotion in the second half of this year if he hadn't injured his left shoulder. The former 35th overall pick in 2023 went 0-3 with a 4.01 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 35:15 K:BB in 24 2/3 innings across seven starts in the minors with Single-A Jupiter and Triple-A Jacksonville before being placed on the seven-day injured list at the end of May. The Marlins' top two pitching prospects now face major setbacks to their development and probably won't be in play in the big leagues until some point in the second half of the 2027 campaign.
Source: Fish On First - Isaac Azout
Source: Fish On First - Isaac Azout
Mitchell Robinson is Upgraded to Available for Game 2
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (finger) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson suffered a broken pinky finger during the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the injury, Robinson was able to suit up for the first game of this series. He finished with two points and six rebounds across 13 minutes of action. He's available once again and figures to play a similar role on Friday. Robinson might get a slightly longer leash now that the Knicks have seen he can play with the finger injury. Karl-Anthony Towns is going to play around 35 minutes, so Robinson is limited to minutes in the teens. With that being said, Robinson isn't an ideal fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cole Caufield Earns Lady Byng Trophy
Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield has been voted the winner of the 2025-26 Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to "the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." This season, Caufield became the first Canadiens player to score 50 regular-season goals since Stephane Richer in 1989-90. He had a career-high 88 points (51 goals, 37 assists) in 81 games. Caufield received only seven minor penalties and 14 penalty minutes. The last time a Montreal player won the Lady Byng Trophy was in 1987-88, when Mats Naslund captured the award. At 25, Caufield has only just gotten started in the NHL and still has untapped fantasy potential.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Nick Suzuki Lands Selke Trophy
Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki has been named the 2025-26 Frank J. Selke Trophy winner. He became only the third player in Canadiens history to win the award, which honors the NHL's best two-way player. Suzuki had a standout year, reaching a career high of 101 points (29 goals, 71 assists) and continuing to build his reputation as a strong defensive contributor. The 26-year-old won the Selke Trophy ahead of Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche). For five consecutive seasons, Suzuki has increased his scoring, and with his prime years just beginning, he still has room to improve, a prospect that should excite fantasy managers.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Chris Bassitt on Track to Make his Next Start on Monday
Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that right-hander Chris Bassitt (back) is traveling on Friday to rejoin the club, and as long as his back checks out, he should make his next start on Monday versus the Seattle Mariners, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Bassitt was pulled from his last start on Thursday against the Boston Red Sox due to tightness in his lower back, but it apparently isn't that big of a deal and won't cause him to miss a turn in the starting rotation. Even though the 37-year-old veteran has escaped a serious injury, we wouldn't recommend him as a streamer to begin next week against the M's, who currently rank 12th in the majors with a .715 team OPS. Bassitt is nearing the end of his career and is currently 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA (4.77 FIP) and 1.63 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings across his 12 outings (10 starts) in his first year in Baltimore. He's sporting a career-low 14.2% strikeout rate, which is why he's rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Royce Lewis Working at First Base, Worth a Stash Ahead of Potential Return?
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis, who is at Triple-A St. Paul, worked with former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau for over an hour on Friday, according to Declan Goff. Since his demotion to the minors after hitting .163 (17-for-104) with three home runs, with a career-high 31.1% strikeout rate through 31 games in 2026, Lewis has turned things around at the plate. Through 14 games with the Saints, Lewis has gone 20-for-56 (.357) with 10 home runs, 22 RBI, and 14 runs scored across 63 plate appearances. Not only has the former first overall pick in 2017 made changes to his swing, but he could also be shifting across the diamond to play first base whenever he rejoins the Twins at the big-league level. Lewis has never reached the 20-homer mark in his four years in the majors, but he has displayed high-end power from the right side in stretches in Minnesota. For his power upside alone, the 27-year-old is worth stash consideration in deeper fantasy leagues before he gets the call back to the Twins. Right now, Lewis is rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Declan Goff
Source: Declan Goff
Brewers Prospect Craig Yoho Earns the Call, Will he Have a Prominent Role?
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Friday that they recalled right-handed pitching prospect Craig Yoho from Triple-A Nashville. In a corresponding move, the Brewers placed pitcher DL Hall (pectoral) on the 15-day injured list after he was injured in Thursday's contest. Yoho, who is the team's No. 27 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is expected to fill a bullpen role in his return to the big leagues, leaving him little fantasy appeal. The 26-year-old former eighth-round selection in 2023 out of Indiana University Bloomington made his big-league debut last year and allowed seven earned runs on eight hits (one homer) while walking nine and striking out seven in 8 2/3 relief innings. He gets the call for the first time in 2026 after allowing only four runs (two earned) with five walks and 24 strikeouts in 18 innings out of the bullpen at Nashville. The 6-foot-2, 237-pounder's nasty changeup is his bread-and-butter pitch and induces plenty of swings and misses and soft contact. Without a clear path to saves in his return to the majors, though, Yoho can be ignored in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Maikel Garcia Sitting Out for Sixth Straight Game on Friday
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is sitting out for a sixth straight game on Friday in Minnesota against the division-rival Twins, according to MLB.com. Nick Loftin will make another start at the hot corner for the Royals and will hit eighth against Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews. Garcia entered Thursday's series opener against the Twins as a pinch-hitter, though, so it would not be a surprise to see him return to action for the third game of the series at Target Field on Saturday. After being named an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2025, the 26-year-old Venezuelan third baseman has underwhelmed in 2026, hitting .268 (60-for-224) with three home runs, 21 RBI, 28 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 57 games and 247 plate appearances. He was beginning to heat up before his hamstring injury, though, going 11-for-32 (.344) with two doubles, three RBI, and two runs scored in nine games since May 22.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
A's Designate Reliever Joel Kuhnel for Assignment
After their gut-wrenching 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday night after they blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning, the Athletics designated right-handed reliever Joel Kuhnel for assignment, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Kuhnel, who had been part of the team's closer-by-committee approach this year, picked up a hold but was hit with the loss on Thursday night by allowing four earned runs on five hits in just two-thirds of an inning. The 31-year-old former 11th-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016 out of the University of Texas at Arlington allowed seven earned runs on 10 hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out just one in 4 2/3 innings in his last four appearances out of the bullpen to inflate his season ERA to 4.21 (3.96 FIP). With Kuhnel now out of the picture for the A's bullpen, left-hander Hogan Harris could be the current favorite for saves in Sacramento.
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
JJ Wetherholt Still Out With Lower-Body Soreness
St. Louis Cardinals rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt (lower body) is still dealing with some lower-body soreness and remains out of the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener at Busch Stadium against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds, according to MLB.com. Bryan Torres is starting at the keystone for St. Louis and will hit fifth in the batting order against Reds right-hander Brady Singer. Wetherholt was held out of the lineup on Wednesday and will start on the bench again on Friday despite the team having a scheduled day off on Thursday. He's considered day-to-day for now. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday to see if he's back in the lineup for Game 2 of the series. Wetherholt, a former seventh overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia University, has held his own in his first year in the big leagues as a full-time player, hitting .249/.357/.400 with a .757 OPS, nine homers, 25 RBI, seven steals, and 40 runs scored in 58 games and 266 plate appearances. In 10 games since May 23, Wetherholt is hitting .293 (12-for-41) with two doubles, an RBI, five runs, and a stolen base.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brent Rooker Returns From Knee Injury on Friday
Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (knee) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the A's in Friday's series opener at Daikin Park against the hosting Houston Astros and right-hander Peter Lambert, per MLB.com. Rooker has been bothered by some knee soreness of late, which is why the A's gave him the day off on Thursday in the final game of the series at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. The team probably also wanted to give the right-handed slugger a day of mental rest after a really rough start to his 2026 campaign. The 31-year-old veteran outfielder enters Friday's action with a .195/.276/.360 slash line, .635 OPS, eight home runs, 26 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two steals in his 164 at-bats. Rooker has gone 5-for-37 with a homer, two RBI, four runs scored, two walks, and 13 strikeouts in his last 10 games. Fantasy managers are looking for any signs of life from Rooker at this point, but it might be wise to keep him benched until that happens. He's gone hitless in just one career at-bat against Lambert.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Does Deebo Samuel Sr. Carry Buy-Low Appeal for Win-Now Dynasty Managers?
Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was arguably his team's most consistent pass-catcher in his first season with the Washington Commanders in 2025, recording 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns on 99 targets across 16 games. Samuel Sr. remained productive as a rusher as well, adding 75 yards and a score on 17 carries. However, the 30-year-old currently remains unsigned with just a few months until the 2026 regular season gets underway. Samuel Sr. has always been reliant on his ability to make plays after the catch, so teams may be wary of his body breaking down. At this point, Samuel Sr. seems ticketed for a complementary role and a short-term contract, leaving his NFL future very much in question. Still, Samuel Sr. remained a useful fantasy wide receiver in 2025 and could be capable of providing similar production in 2026. For win-now dynasty managers, Samuel Sr. may be worth buying low on before he finds a new team.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Diamondbacks Promote Prospect LuJames Groover After Dominant Start at Triple-A
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that they selected the contract of rookie infielder LuJames Groover from Triple-A Reno and optioned infielder Jose Fernandez to Reno in a corresponding move. James, who is considered the team's No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, earned his first big-league call-up after hitting .322/.421/.452 with an .873 OPS, three home runs, 16 doubles, a triple, 39 RBI, 37 runs scored, and two steals in 56 games across 256 plate appearances this year for the Aces. The 24-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of North Carolina State University can play both third and first base, and he could get some run against left-handed pitching if infielder Ildemaro Vargas misses some time after colliding at first base with Max Muncy on Thursday night. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can hold off on acquiring the 6-foot-2, 212-pounder, who has a hit over power profile.
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Is Elic Ayomanor Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor hauled in 41 catches for 515 yards and five touchdowns on 89 targets across 16 games as a rookie. Particularly with veteran Titans wideout Calvin Ridley limited to just seven games played due to injury, Ayomanor saw extended playing time in Tennessee. However, his place on the depth chart is far less certain entering 2026. The Titans signed wideout Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, drafted Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and re-worked Ridley's contract to keep him around for 2026. Ayomanor may even be behind fellow 2025 fourth-rounder Chimere Dike, who impressed with his versatility as a rookie. As a big-bodied ball-winner on the outside, Ayomanor retains some long-term upside. However, his dynasty stock has fallen considerably in the wake of Tennessee's offseason.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Astros Reinstate Jose Altuve From the Injured List
The Houston Astros reinstated second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique) from the 10-day injured list on Friday and optioned infielder Zach Dezenzo to Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Altuve is right back in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the visiting Athletics and right-hander Jack Perkins, starting at the keystone and batting fifth at Daikin Park. The 36-year-old former MVP and nine-time All-Star is returning from a Grade 2 strained left oblique that kept him out since May 16. The Venezuelan veteran did not require a minor-league rehab stint, which means he could be a bit rusty at the plate upon his return this weekend. Altive has finally felt the effects of Father Time in 2026, as he enters Friday's action with a .245/.326/.380 slash line, .706 OPS, four home runs, 12 RBI, 27 runs, and one stolen base across 42 games and 185 plate appearances. There's still time for Altuve to turn things around now that he's back to full health, and he's rostered in 85% of Yahoo leagues despite his slow start and oblique injury.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Does Tyler Warren Have Dynasty TE1 Upside?
The 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren hit the ground running and immediately emerged as a key piece of his team's offense as a rookie. Across 17 games, the 24-year-old recorded 76 catches for 817 yards and four touchdowns on 112 targets and added a touchdown as a rusher for good measure. Warren's production faded a bit down the stretch of the season, but Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) missed the team's final four games of the year after tearing his Achilles in Week 14. Jones should be ready for 2026, and Warren could be the team's clear number one target in the passing game following Indy's offseason trade of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Between his prospect pedigree, rookie season production, and clear opportunity with the Colts, Warren profiles as an elite dynasty tight end with number one overall tight end upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lars Nootbaar Activated From 60-Day Injured List
The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heels) from the 60-day injured list on Friday and optioned infielder Thomas Saggese to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move, according to Tamar Sher. Nootbaar will finally be making his 2026 season debut after he had surgery in the offseason to fix deformities in both of his heels. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder should play regularly in St. Louis against right-handers, although the Cardinals could initially ease him back into the fold after his long layoff from major-league games. In 12 minor-league games, Nootbaar slashed .257/.409/.543 with three home runs. The former eighth-round pick in 2018 out of USC has teased fantasy managers in his five years in the big leagues, but perhaps he can break out if he can put his foot injuries behind him once and for all. In his first five years with the Red Birds, Nootbaar slashed .242/.341/.406 with a .747 OPS, 58 home runs, 194 RBI, and 28 stolen bases in 527 games played. In deep-mixed leagues, Nootbaar is worth a look on the waiver wire as outfield depth now that he's back. He's currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Tamar Sher
Source: Tamar Sher
Jonathon Brooks Entering 2026 as a Buy-Low Dynasty Candidate?
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) has yet to get his career off the ground. Brooks entered the NFL recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in college, and then re-tore the same ACL just three games after making his pro debut. The 22-year-old missed the entire 2025 season as a result of the injury, but he appears to be on track to be ready for the start of 2026. The Panthers let former running back Rico Dowdle walk in free agency without making any notable additions to their backfield, which could mean that the team has confidence in Brooks assuming the RB2 role behind veteran Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers offense featured two fantasy-relevant running backs in 2025, with Hubbard and Dowdle combining for over 2,100 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns. Brooks' injury history obviously brings clear risk, but he could be worth buying low on in dynasty formats ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Judge Not Putting a Timetable on his Return
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (rib), who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday with a stress fracture in his rib, said he doesn't "like talking timetables... That stuff's all made up." Judge said he thinks he sustained the injury on an awkward dive in Houston back in April. The 34-year-old three-time MVP won't be re-evaluated for another four to six weeks, so fantasy managers have to prepare for the possibility that the superstar outfielder won't be back until after the mid-July All-Star break. In the meantime, with Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) still on the injured list, rookie outfielder Spencer Jones is back with the big-league club to provide outfield depth in the Bronx. Jones will start in right field and bat sixth for the Bombers in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray at Yankee Stadium. Despite an extended absence for Judge, he should not be dropped in any fantasy baseball leagues. He heads to the IL with a 2.48/.375/.533 slash line, .907 OPS, 17 homers, 38 RBI, 43 runs, and five stolen bases in 214 at-bats.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
